What specific claim on Diageo's Royal Challenge Whisky label did India's FSSAI deem misleading, and why?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) deemed the label claim 'matured in American oak casks' misleading because the product's second ingredient is grain neutral spirit, and 'major portion is non-matured spirit'; the FSSAI stated that 'the complete alcohol is not matured in wood cask as claimed on the label, and therefore misleading the consumer', adding that any age-related claim must refer to the youngest spirit in the blend, not the oldest.

Which Diageo and Inbrew products were banned by FSSAI, and what was the cited reason for the ban?

FSSAI banned Diageo's Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky made in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Inbrew's Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum — all produced in Madhya Pradesh — for using 'artificial flavouring, such as whisky and rum flavours, rather than proper ageing and ingredients'.

India Warns Diageo Over Misleading Whisky Maturation Claims

Aug 8, 2026

India's food safety regulator warned Diageo over misleading claims regarding whisky maturation in American oak casks. Sales of several spirits were also banned due to improper use of artificial flavoring instead of proper ageing.

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